Locals in Littlehampton are coming up with suggestions to try and save the town's big bonfire celebrations.

A letter, sent to members and friends of the Littlehampton Bonfire Society was leaked on Facebook.

It is with a very heavy heart that I must inform you that at this week’s meeting of the bonfire society committee it was decided by vote that we have to cancel this year’s Littlehampton torchlight parade, mammoth bonfire and firework display on 26th October.

"This decision was not taken lightly. Everyone on the committee was filled with sadness at this decision. We have all worked extremely hard to work towards this year’s bonfire night. And let me be clear, we all hope that next year we will be back as strong as ever! We plan to continue with all fund raising events and actively seek for more members and more volunteers so that we may continue."

Sue Baker, Littlehampton Bonfire Society

Since Spirit FM broke the news on Wednesday evening, members of the community have been rallying around with suggestions on what to do next.

Some have been tagging friends on social media asking them to get involved and help out. Other comments bemoaned the lack of community spirit in the town.

The majority of people are saddened that the event won't be going ahead in 2019.

Can the Littlehampton Bonfire be saved?

Officials say the announcement has come too late to save this year's event. Spirit FM contacted the Bonfire Society for a statement on this possibility, and was told:

"This year we had to have all our marshals, bonfire builders and guarders, everything in place six weeks before the event. We’ve never had this stipulation before and it’s a killer!

"We had insufficient numbers across the board and so for safety reasons we have had to cancel.

"The entire committee is saddened! We’ve all worked SO hard towards this years event! We didn’t want to cancel!